What is the next step after multiplying the whole number by the denominator when converting a mixed number to an improper fraction?

What is the next step after multiplying the whole number by the denominator when converting a mixed number to an improper fraction?

• A. Subtract that total from the numerator.
• B. Add that total to the numerator.
• C. Divide that total by the denominator.
• D. Multiply by the denominator.

Answer: (A)

When turning a mixed number into an improper fraction, you use the denominator as the common base to count all parts. First multiply the whole number by the denominator to convert the whole part into that many parts. Next, add the numerator of the fractional part to that product to get the new numerator. The denominator stays the same. Example: 4 3/7 becomes (4×7 + 3)/7 = 31/7. So the step after multiplying is to add that product to the numerator. Subtracting would not represent the same amount, and other operations would change the value rather than correctly combine the whole part with the fractional part.

When turning a mixed number into an improper fraction, you use the denominator as the common base to count all parts. First multiply the whole number by the denominator to convert the whole part into that many parts. Next, add the numerator of the fractional part to that product to get the new numerator. The denominator stays the same.

Example: 4 3/7 becomes (4×7 + 3)/7 = 31/7.

So the step after multiplying is to add that product to the numerator. Subtracting would not represent the same amount, and other operations would change the value rather than correctly combine the whole part with the fractional part.